State Government announces investment into Football Facilities Development Plan

The Adelaide Comets Football Club and the Western Districts Athletics Club are receiving new facilities following a $3.5 million State Government grant.

The Clubs share Tampawardli (Ellis Park) and are welcoming the construction of a two-storey community building comprising of club rooms, change rooms, a kitchen, community space, first aid room, gym and public toilets.

The Clubs have a combined membership of over 800 people, supported by many spectators, family and friends.

The facilities will also benefit the wider community including the various schools and community groups who already use Ellis Park. The new building will replace the existing clubrooms, with works due to start in March 2018.

The funding follows a $10 million commitment announced in the State Budget to help local football clubs meet growing demand.

Funding Announcement - Facilies - Ellis Park

 

The projects as part of this funding

  • North Eastern MetroStars, Klemzig - for an artificial pitch and lighting
  • White City, Seaton - for pitch upgrades and lighting
  • Cumberland United, Clarence Gardens - for an artificial pitch
  • Northern Demons, Port Pirie - for an artificial pitch
  • Mount Barker United, Mount Barker - for two artificial pitches and a building (subject to matched Council funding).
  • City of Marion and The Cove FC, O'Halloran Hill -  two artificial pitches and a building (subject to matched Council funding).

"The Park Lands play host to so many vibrant sporting clubs, and it’s important that we are upgrading facilities and continually enhancing their community value," says the State Government's Minister for Planning and Deputy Premier, Mr. John Rau.

"This new facility will not only benefit the members of the soccer and athletics clubs that call the site home, but also the many schools and community groups who share the space."

"This $3.5 million upgrade to football facilities in the West Parklands will help meet growing demand from young people wanting to play the sport," added the State's Treasurer, Mr. Tom Koutsantonis.

"It is in addition to a $10 million Budget commitment to construct artificial pitches and other facilities at clubs across the State."

Football Federation SA (FFSA) CEO, Michael Carter, spoke on behalf of the entire State's Football Community to thank the State Government for their continued support.

"FFSA is delighted with the support of the State Government in regards to our growing demand for improved Football infrastructure," Michael said.

"As participation continues to grow it is important that as a sport we are planning for the future, the entire Football Family joins in thanking the State Government for their support."

"The inclusion of two new purpose built facilities on greenfield sites at Mt Barker and the City of Marion are significant achievements and we thank the local Government of Mt Barker and City of Marion for their support of these major projects."

This investment follows $24 million in State Government support to build female-friendly facilities at sporting clubs and $7.7 million to upgrade netball facilities in the parklands and at Priceline stadium.

A copy of the State Government's release in full can be found here.